{"id":27786,"date":"2025-07-24T11:26:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T16:26:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fleishmanhillard.com\/?p=27786"},"modified":"2025-07-24T11:29:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T16:29:05","slug":"it-communcations-partnership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fleishmanhillard.com\/2025\/07\/it-communcations-partnership\/","title":{"rendered":"The Friends You Never Knew You Needed: Why IT and Communications Must Team Up"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

Trust is at the heart of every successful organization. In today\u2019s digital landscape, that trust is built\u2014and sometimes shattered\u2014by how well you protect the data on your network. Reputation is hard-won and easily lost, making it a favorite pressure point for cybercriminals and regulators alike.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Over the past several years, threat actors have shifted tactics. Rather than relying solely on operational disruptions driven by ransomware, groups like Lapsu$ have gone as far as exposing sensitive corporate data without warning or attempted extortion, as seen in their attacks on some of the tech industry\u2019s top companies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

At the same time, regulators and government officials are turning to more and more public responses related to cybersecurity, tightening their grip on corporate reputations through new rules and public scrutiny. With more stringent regulations and increased public reporting, organizations are being held accountable for how they manage and protect sensitive information. Meanwhile, a more cyber-savvy and skeptical public is quick to notice, and react to, any missteps.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Reputation and Technical Cyber Risk: A New Partnership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

As the link between reputation and cyber risk grows stronger, IT and Communications teams can no longer afford to operate in silos. Their collaboration should go far beyond crafting post-incident press releases. Here\u2019s how these two critical teams can\u2014and should\u2014work together:<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
  1. Translate Complexity into Clarity:<\/strong>
    Technical teams understand the risks. Communications teams know how to craft messages that resonate. Together, they can ensure clear, concise explanation of core policies, risks, and responses both internally and externally.\n<\/li>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
  2. Build a Culture of Security:<\/strong>
    It\u2019s not just about what you say, but how you make it stick. Developing a thoughtful strategy for culture change ensures that security messages are truly internalized throughout the organization.\n<\/li>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
  3. Plan for the Unexpected:<\/strong>
    Effective scenario planning for data security and privacy risks requires tight coordination. Legal, technical, and Communications teams must work hand-in-hand to prepare for\u2014and respond to\u2014potential crises.<\/li><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/ol>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    The Benefits of Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n
    \n

    When IT and Communications join forces, the results are tangible:<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n
    \n